RaKan... Dancing for Enlightenment

"RaKan" is the name given to Jerry Gardner by Sensei Yukio Waguri. It means "the one who dances for enlightenment." From meditative and sublime to energetic and passionate, our Butoh penetrates deep into the subliminal layers of consciousness opening the door to our fears, suffering, joy, desire, and absurdity. Butoh is surreal, it is image driven. It is based in words that take shape. Meditation techniques combined with raw physicality unleash the deeply suppressed impulses arising from the depths of one's body. Butoh is the unique expression of the dancer unencumbered by language, tradition, and constraint. The body in and of itself reveals the history of humanity.

RaKan was established in 1999 in Salt Lake City. RaKan trains and performs regularly in the US and abroad. Performances are created by Jerry Gardner in collaboration with company members.